Dominic sat in his nice leather back chair, swirling dark, almost black red wine. He examined it with an experienced eye then took a sip. Not a bad year. Far from his best. He was saving his best for a more special occasion. He focused again on the swirling liquid. The light in the extravagant dining room glinted off the crystal glass and refracted in the wine. He could see spots of color in the dark wine and his mind started wandering. How far had his Ale gotten? Kayla was a great hindrance. Had they already gotten separated? Did Kayla already start to argue and fight with Aless? It hadn't even been a day since the slaves fled and yet Kayla had such a sour look when his Ale got the pack instead of her.
Was his Ale thinking of him now as he thought of her? He hated that their last moment together had been him striking her, but she had to learn. She couldn't keep treating him with such insolence and disrespect. There was the sound of footsteps echoing in the high arched room. Dominic didn't look up. Exactly on time.
"Dúcái," a voice said at the end of the table.
"Jᴔnsa. On time as always," Dominic smiled politely, lowering his glass to the table. "Please sit."
Looking around, Cahan shrugged and sunk into the chair opposite Dominic. It was an elaborate leather chair in front of a beautiful oak table. Hand carved from what Cahan could see. Several large plates rested on the table with silver covers to keep their contents warm. A fine crystal wine glass sat next to a plate set for Cahan.
"Wine?" Dominic offered.
Waving a hand, Dominic motioned to the bottle in the middle of the table.
"Why not."
A servant, or possibly a slave, appeared out of nowhere and poured Cahan a glass. Smirking, Cahan had to admit Dominic was great at impressing people. Taking of sip of wine, Cahan felt the well-aged liquid dance in his mouth.
"Good choice," Jᴔnsa nodded to Dominic.
"I take pride in my collections."
"What else do you collect?"
"A wide variety of things. Wine, cars, antiques."
"Women?"
Chuckling, Dominic took a sip of wine.
"Don't we all?"
Agreeing, Cahan allowed himself a chuckle too. Of course, they both had their share of women. Cahan Jᴔnsa was comfortable enough with his sexuality to admit when another man was good looking. Dominic was a good-looking man, in his own way.
"Of course, Dúcái. I do enjoy my collection."
"Yes. As do I. It seems we are about to add to our collection."
"You are planning on adding to yours?"
"There are fringe benefits to organizing this. I always get to choose from the supply to see what I would like to keep."
"Then why didn't you keep anything this time?"
"Who says I didn't?"
"Hmm."
They both fell silent as the food was exposed and they were served. Both were watching each other closely as they took a few bites to eat and sipped their wine.
"Did you enjoy our selection this year?" Dominic finally asked Jᴔnsa as if they were discussing cars.
"Of course. You never disappoint."
"Is there any one that particularly interests you?"
"There are a couple that I see having some potential."
They locked eyes, but neither were going to say what they were really thinking. Both knew the other was thinking of Alessandra. Tension sparked between them in the cool air. For a moment there was an uneasy silence then they both smiled.
"Yes, there are a couple with potential."
"So what is the point of this strained dinner?"
"No point. It is a mutual dinner between two competitive men who are about to embark on a trial of our skills."
"Is that all?"
"I am a civilized man, am I not, Cahan? So I invited you to a civilized dinner. Is it not customary of a host to have dinner with his guests?"
"Why only me?"
"I tire of the rest. You are the one buyer I respect here."
"Really? Or am I the only you feel as a threat?"
"A threat? You are pulling my leg. I am simply the supplier."
"Mistress Yìguó hired you, didn't she?"
"Yes, she did."
"Then we are both hunting."
"Yes, we are."
"So this is really about sizing each other up."
"I guess, but it's also about having a nice dinner with intelligent company, before…"
"Before we become enemies."
"Enemies is a harsh word. I'd like to say competition. We are competition for each other, in a good way."
"And what are we competing for?"
"The slaves of course."
"Just the slaves?"
"What else would we compete for? I am simply a hired hand. I have no other interest in this race beside the money it will gain me."
"Of course."
Dominic smiled toothily and they fell silent again. They ate and talked for an hour or so about nothing that important. Business talk mostly. How their investments were doing. How their employees were. The troublesome police and do-gooders. It was over all a pleasant evening.
Hours later Dominic looked at his watch and grinned cockily. It was time.
"We have been here for hours, Cahan. I must excuse myself. It is time I prepared for the hunt. You may want to rest," Dominic said kindly as he stood up.
"Why would I do that?" Cahan laughed as he went to stand too.
Suddenly he felt a rush to his head and Cahan fell forward a little, supporting himself against the table. Without realizing it, Cahan let out a low groan.
"You've had too much to drink, Jᴔnsa," Dominic feigned concern.
"I'm Alᵫmdaun, you asshole. A few glasses of wine wouldn't do this to me."
Shaking his head, Dominic beamed, chuckling to himself. He knew that Jᴔnsa was a heavy drinker and so he had taken the time to add an extra ingredient to the wine that would slow him down.
"So what now, Dúcái? You going to wait till I pass out then have your manly way with me?"
Cahan managed a laugh then held his head as the room spun. Sneering Dominic walked next to Cahan as he watched his competition go ashen and look faint. It gave him a small satisfaction to see Cahan in such a weak state.
"Nothing personal, Jᴔnsa. It's just business. You'll feel better in day. It won't take me that long to get what I'm after."
Clapping Dominic waited for two large men to appear.
"Help Master Jᴔnsa to his room. He is not feeling well."
The two men nodded and went to grab Cahan Jᴔnsa by the arms. Growling, he yanked away from them. He didn't need any of Dominic's help. Shrugging, Dominic didn't care. Jᴔnsa could fall on his face for all he cared. He had broken Dominic's rules. He had touched his Ale.
Briskly exiting the room, Dominic's mind was buzzing happily as he thought of the things he needed to do. Gather his men. Pack. Talk to his hunters. Find his Ale.
"Dúcái!" Jᴔnsa's hoarse voice cut roughly into Dominic's thoughts.
"What, Jᴔnsa?" Dominic snapped. His patience was worn thin. Hours of forced pleasantries did that to him.
"Good luck finding her."
Stopping, Dominic turned to see Cahan smilingly like the cocky bastard he was. Gritting his teeth, Dominic Dúcái glared at Cahan Jᴔnsa.
"I don't need luck."
"You will. You think I didn't already know that you were going to try some cheap move like this? Don't be stupid. I already took steps of my own."
"What do you mean?"
Cahan's cocky smile widened.
"Just good luck."
Before Dominic could even move to approach or strike Jᴔnsa as he so dearly wished, Cahan Jᴔnsa collapsed to the floor with a crunch as the stone floor cut his right eyebrow. That bastard was all Dominic could think.